Newly Diagnosed

[Andrew]

Hi, I have been reading the posts for some time and have finally decided to enlist some help on my worries, as you all seem to give such wonderfull encouraging information and advise.
I am newly diagnosed as of October 2009.  My first attack was in 2007/2008 but as my MRI was clear no diagnosis could be made.  During October I went to work as normal after fealing extremely fatiqued for 2 to 3 days.  I teach navigation to Saudi Arabian Air Force cadets in Riyadh.  During my first lesson of the day (Wednesday which is the Saudi Friday) I saw a small blurry spot in my left eye, went to the doc and was given eye drops.  By Thursday I was completely blind in the eye.
Very long boring story, but I was finally flow back to SA and diagnosed.  That made 3 attacks in around 4 years.
Started on Avonex during last week of December 2009.  Very bad side effects and finally after submitting my log of events the med centre have realised that I am not kidding about being in pain and gave me a voltarin injection on Wednesday.  First time since going on the injection that I have not been up all night in pain.
Worried though as I have had 3 minor attacks since December, all around 2 weeks long which is basically continuous, all in different parts of my body.  The Saudi neurologist does not want to put me on cortisone as he wants to wait for bigger attacks. 
Any advise as I am worried as the attacks are affecting my hands (struggling with typing) and legs (weak/tired feeling in both legs)?

[Wendy]

Hi Andrew,

Firstly welcome, and thanks for trusting us to give you advice. I guess I would just like to say it probably starts with a good relationship with your Neuro? We trust them with our health and they have studied the books for many years, so hopefully they are on our side and will guide us in the right way? According to what you are saying, you are experiencing relapses (from my understanding of any new or 'other' symptoms?)...

You mention you work overseas, what sort of rotation do you do, or is it permanent work over there? Im just trying to see from approaching the medical aid point of view....and also, from my experience, have you done your homework with regards to any Group Life policies or insurances your employer has? Just in case things get too unbearable for you and you might need to stop work........or is that not on your agenda?

And the heat over there cant be too good for you too? I hope you find someone medically to speak too, who can help you and give you correct advise...

On our side, we are all rooting for you, good luck with finding out these things, and I trust you have read and understood on our posts that you need to Take Care of Yourself! Dont push it and please dont force yourself through pain or anything like that.........listen to your body and remember, you must be No 1 to yourself...with MS we have that right!

Good luck and chat soon

cheers
Wendy

[Andrew]

Thanks Wendy

I am currently out here permanently and am waiting in anticipation for the summer to come along.  I must confess I am a bit worried about the temperature and such as it gets close to the 50's each day during summer.  Funny as 47 feels a lot hotter than 45.

I have a Neuro out here and one in SA.  Trying to open good and regular comms with the Neuro in South Africa as it is very difficult to get hold of the one here and everyting is done by appointment with at least 10 days notice required.  I started my last relapse (very mild) on the 6th but will only get to the Neuro here by the 22nd. 

The company dr has prescribed steroids but wants me to clear it with the neuro first.  So hopefully I will hear back from SA today, as the simptoms are still getting stronger, which bothers me somewhat.

Unfortunately no policies for work as I am a contract worker, so I will have tostick it out here till I cannot work anymore (Lord willing that takes a very long time). 

Certainly has been good for my patience and trusting in God....

[Linda]

Hi Andrew
Welcome to our site
It is amazing, that every time we gain a new member friend, we hear new and different variations  of MS. What a weird disease.
We must be very special if we are chosen to  handle this - no woosies allowed here!
Please re-read Wendy's reply to you - the main point being - BE GOOD TO YOURSELF
I think that is how we get through most days!
Linda

[Andrew]

Thanks all

Was wondering though - about overheating and exercise?  I know that water exercise is the best, but will I do damage if I do something like walking or cycling.  I do not feel pain at all, but after about 5 minutes on the treadmill I cannot see at all through my left eye.

Just managed to get a room in hospital after spending 2 days on a bed in the ER.  Luckily it allowed me to start the steroids to try and combat my latest relaps.  Waiting in anticipation for the MRI which will be done on Saturday.

As usual very bad service from my company medical centre, happy to report that the National Guard hospital was excellent as was the Neurology department.  Saw 5 different Neuros in 1 day.  Was also told to contact my Neuro on his personal mobile in future as he was also fed up with the lack of support from my company, and the screwed up messages they deliver.  All is all a good day...

[Andrew]

Just been released after a hectic 5 days in hospital.  My scan in October had 1 legion in the brain and one old one in the spinal chord.  Scan today showed 4 new legions in the brain.  1 Active.

Difficult not to get depressed and worry. 

[Wendy]

Andrew, I know its not easy, and thoughts of 'Why me?' or 'Why now?' are quite normal...

We all, Im sure, have thought that sickness / disability / etc...happen to OTHER people, when you are carefree and hardly ever think about these things, until it hits the fan, and then you have to face up to things...

I also believe we are chosen, our life paths are set before us, no matter how much we kick and scream and fight some things, happen they will. The best thing you can do is be your OWN best friend, and learn how to deal with that...

Thats what you pick up on the forum - different backgrounds, different symptoms, different moods, different everything.........except the same battle of getting to grips with things, acceptance, and then moving forward, in whatever way suits YOU!! Whether it be a simple matter of trying to get used to using a crutch, or having to fight for medical care, etc, etc......we understand.

Thats why you did the right thing by joining us - there is no judgements or skew looks here, just basic love and understanding...

I pray you find peace with all the turmoil and wild thoughts going through your head. If you have been chosen, believe that you were chosen because you have what it takes...

Do not limit yourself or describe yourself on Earthly, materialistic matters, I know its important, but Spirit is always free...be quiet, listen to your inner voice, and may you find the answers you so desperately need...

Rooting for ya pal, hang in there!